Giants' Vogelsong exits early

San Francisco Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong was in the midst of his best start of the season Monday, but was forced to leave in the bottom of the fifth inning after taking a pitch off his throwing hand while at the plate.

Vogelsong scattered three hits and a walk over five scoreless frames against
the Washington Nationals before swinging at an inside fastball that caught him
flush on his pitching hand.

Vogelsong was unable to finish the at-bat, as Nick Noonan replaced him and
grounded out to end the inning.

Javier Lopez took over on the mound for the Giants in the sixth.

Vogelsong entered Monday's start with a 1-4 record and an 8.06 earned run
average over eight starts.